TC 1-05
Military Religious Support Mission
The UMT and the chaplain are required by public law to conduct
religious services for soldiers in their assigned command.
Each chaplain shall, when practicable, hold appropriate
religious services at least once on each Sunday for the
command to which he is assigned, and shall perform
appropriate religious burial services for members of the
Army who die while in that command.
Title 10 U.S. Code, Section 3547
The free exercise clause of the first amendment guarantees all
individuals the right to practice what their religion requires and
conscience dictates. In the military, operational requirements can
interfere with such free exercise of religion. Potential areas of
conflict include worship, dietary, medical, and wear and appearance
religious practices. When a conflict occurs, the soldier may ask the
commander to consider accommodation of the desired religious
practice.
Accommodating Religious Practices
When accommodation is requested, the chaplain assists the
commander and the soldier in clarifying military necessity, faith
practices, and available courses of action. The commander may
approve, disapprove, or partially disapprove the request. (For
procedures and appeals, consult AR 600-20 and DA Pam 600-75.)
The Army's policy is for commanders to approve requests for
accommodation of religious practices when possible, subject to the
limits of "military necessity." This means that concern for military
readiness, unit cohesion, morale, discipline, and safety or health can
lead the commander rightly to deny the request.
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10 May 2005
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